WILDERNESS MEDICINE
Wilderness Medicine differs significantly from standard Red Cross courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban
environment. This course teaches what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option.
We prepare students for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments and improvised equipment.
WHY CHOOSE WILDERNESS MEDICAL ASSOCIATES®?
Wilderness Medical Associates® has been setting the highest standard for medical training in wilderness and rescue medicine since
1981. We are the only company in this field with a practicing emergency room physician as President and Medical Director. Dr. David
Johnson’s nearly 30 years of emergency medical and backcountry experience provide a depth of expertise that translates into a
cutting edge curriculum.
Our team of exceptional instructors are medical professionals with significant patient care experience as well as substantial
backcountry resumes. All have been through a rigorous selection and training process. We demand the best, and we get them.
The curriculum is continuously updated and refined. We search the literature and draw from field experience to create the most
useful training possible for medical care in difficult and dangerous places. Our emphasis on the understanding of body systems and
medical principles gives students the skills and confidence to adapt and respond. Once an individual has taken one of our courses,
he or she will remember and understand what needs to be done.
Our courses are preferred by such organizations as Outward Bound, The National Park Service, and the FBI. As Canoe Magazine stated, “Wilderness Medical Associates has become the de facto standard in wilderness medical training.”
CLASS FORMAT
This course is presented in 36 hours over four days. Typically, mornings are devoted to lectures, discussions and quizzes,
with afternoons devoted to practical hands-on sessions. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments.
PREREQUISITES
Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate in this course. Those under eighteen years
of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.
COURSE SPONSORS AND INSTRUCTORS
Wilderness Medical Associates’® courses are offered by a variety of sponsors in the US and abroad.
Sponsors may set rules regarding parking, dogs, the use of alcohol, and other site-specific issues.
The course sponsor sets the tuition and provides the classroom and any housing or meals that may be
included. All courses are taught by WMA™ instructors who have been through our rigorous selection and
training process and adhere to our course standards and curriculum.
TEXTBOOKS
All teaching materials are provided by Wilderness Medical Associates® at no additional cost. This includes a book of lecture
handouts, SOAP Notes, our textbook, Wilderness and Rescue Medicine, and The Wilderness Medical Associates Field Guide.
COMPLETION AND GRADES
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and
written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. Wilderness
Medical Associates® is committed to making reasonable accomodation to any student with special needs.
CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE
All students who successfully complete the WAFA course will receive WAFA certification card, an Anaphylaxis certification
card and Adult CPR certifications from Wilderness Medical Associates®. These certifications remain valid for three years.
RECERTIFICATION AND UPGRADE
For those with a current WMA Wilderness First Responder or WMA Wilderness EMT certification, the WAFA may be used as a
recertification option, in conjunction with a Recertification Package. Upon receipt of a course roster from the sponsor, pre-course Recertification Study Guides will be mailed to students two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course.
WAFA graduates are eligible to upgrade to a WFR by taking the WAFA-to-WFR-Bridge course within three years of receiving their WAFA certificate.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside.
You will also need pens and a notebook. See our Student Handbook and speak with the sponsor for more information.
WAFA COURSE SCHEDULE
Day 1: 9 hours - Introduction/Registration; General Concepts; Infection Control; Patient Assessment System; Circulatory & Respiratory
Systems; Adult CPR; Basic Life Support
Day 2: 9.5 hours - Quiz/Case Studies; Nervous System, Spine Management; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Lifts, Moves, and Extrications;
Splints - Extremities; Patient Assessment Drills
Day 3: 9.5 hours - Quiz/Case Studies; Thermoregulation; Bites and Stings; Lightning; Elective Topics; Wounds and Burns;
Allergies and Anaphylaxis; Improvised Patient Carries; Patient Assessment Drills
Day 4: 8 hours - Case Study Review; Elective Topic; Backcountry Medicine; Medical and Legal Issues; Patient Assessment Drills;
Simulations; Final Exam; Conclusion |
